First tallies reveal significant lead for one mayoral candidate

John Moran surges ahead with 20% of boxes opened

THE FORMER secretary general at the Department of Finance John Moran has opened up a significant lead on his rivals, according to the first tallies in the Limerick mayoral election.

Information collated by tally personnel at the Limerick Racecourse, Mr Moran has 3,643 first preference votes.

These tallies are collected from an army of people who are viewing ballot papers as they are being sorted by count centre staff.

Another Independent candidate Helen O'Donnell is in second place according to the early tallies, with 2,541 first preference votes.

Former Chamber boss Dee Ryan, Fianna Fail, has 2,541 votes according to the data, which was taken from boxes in both Limerick city and Limerick county.

Cllr Daniel Butler - who is also seeking election in City West - has 1,591 first preferences, according to the tallies. And Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan is next with 1,556 votes, the tallies suggest.

Counting in the mayoral election isn't expected to kick off until Monday morning, so a result is unlikely until later that night.

With the majority of boxes to open, and transfers unknown, the eventual outcome of the first directly elected mayoral election in Limerick is far from clear.

Full tally

Sarah Beasley (Aontu) - 508

Cllr Daniel Butler (FG) - 1,592

Cllr Frankie Daly (IND) - 905

Ruairi Fahy (SOL-PBP) - 145

Dr Laura Keyes (NON) - 242

Brian Leddin (Green) - 537

John Moran (IND) - 3,673

Catriona Ni Chathain - 162

Helen O'Donnell (IND) - 2,541

Cllr Elisa O'Donovan (SD) - 399

Colm O Morain (NON) - 50